Cairngorms Park Secret Places

There is no rule as to what qualifies as a secret place in the Cairngorms Park but we must feel great to be there. It could be a quiet romantic location on the lochside, or a cafe serving the best local cuisine, or a small but charming Cairngorm pub with breathtaking views. If you're looking for that special place, you're bound to find it in the Cairngorms National Park.

Just click on the pictures below to find out the secret location...

Laggan beach on a summer's day gives Loch Morlich in Aviemore a run for its money. Loch Laggan is a freshwater loch that boasts the largest freshwater beach in the British Isles. It's located within the grounds of Ardverikie Estate. To get to it you need to park on the main road and walk over the bridge past the Gate Lodge by the main entrance to Ardverikie. There is a barrier but don't be put off; it's only there to prevent hundreds of people driving up to the Ardverikie Castle (aka Glenbogle House), made famous by the BBC's Monarch of the Glen. Walk up the road for about half a mile and you'll find one of the Cairngorms Park's best-kept secrets.

The Mountain cafe in Aviemoreis the Cairngorms National Park's hidden dining gem. Nestling above a climbing and outdoor shop on the Grampian road opposite the police station, their home-baked cakes are sensational. The burgers and all day breakfasts are also superb. Some say it's a little expensive but we say it's worth every penny! There are no plastic cheese slices and reconstituted factory-farmed meat in their burgers. The view from the balcony is simply stunning so be prepared to queue at lunchtimes, on the weekends and during school holidays. We recommend going for an 11.00am brunch to miss the queues.

Dalmunzie Hotel Golf Course south of Braemar near Spittal of Glenshee is amongst Britain's highest golf courses. It's enveloped by stunning mountain scenery, which makes it a real Cairngorms National Park secret. The views in all directions are simply superb and can almost justify a poor round! The course was designed for Sir Archibald Birkmyre, his friends and family in 1922, and although it is open to the public, it's also available to the hotel's guests.

The car park and picnic site at Uath Lochans at Glen Feshie near Kincraig is one of the most scenic locations in the Cairngorms National Park but it remains a little-known secret. If you're looking to get away from it all in beautiful highland surroundings, this is the place to come. It has some great mountain-biking and cross-country skiing trails adjacent to the market walks, of which the Uath Loch walk, the shortest of the four, is a must. Here you can see an abundance of wild flora and fauna, from rare dragon flies to goldeneye ducks.

Glen Tanar provides a great opportunity to explore Scotland's classic Caledonian pine forest in search of its elusive wildlife. A red squirrel or Scottish crossbill might be above your head as you wander through ancient trees or, from the banks of the rushing river, you might see the silvery flash of a salmon powering upstream. This is Royal Deeside's secret hideaway and it's great for camping. There's a network of paths and tracks suitable for walking, mountain-biking, cross-country skiing and pony trekking.

Voted one of Britains top ten cake shops by the Observer Good Food guide 2007, the Potting Shed Cake Shop at Inshriach Nursery is even better than you expect. This is homemade sponge cake heaven. Having made your decision, the cakes are served on impressive china crockery with a tiny dessert fork. The wildlife viewing windows are also one of the best in the Cairngorms Park.

The Abernethy forest in Boat of Garten was the first place a returning pair of Ospreys nested after an absence of over 40 years. They are now protected by the RSPB at Loch Garten. The centre can become busy in holiday periods but ospreys are now found throughout the Cairngorms Park. A great spot to get close up and see them fishing is at Loch Insh. As you cross the wooden bridge you will see a small island on the right where the ospreys nest. If you're lucky you'll see one of the Cairngorms Park's wildlife secrets. Loch Insh's water-sports centre further down the road has a great restaurant.

An evening in a comfortable hide a few yards from an established Cairngorm badger sett or pine martens' feeding area is also an unforgettable experience. As your Speyside Wildlife guide takes you to these secret locations, keep an eye out for ospreys, otters, wild cats, bats, owls and other wildfowl. This is a must for any wildlife lover. To find out more about this secret location click here.